Citing fatigue, D-backs to pace Corbin in '14

PHOENIX -- Looking at how Patrick Corbin's results faded down the stretch in 2013, the D-backs will most likely prep their young ace a bit differently next year in hopes that they can keep him fresher as the season wears on.

Competing for the fifth spot in the rotation entering Spring Training, Corbin tossed a team-high 25 2/3 Cactus League innings this season. Those frames, combined with the 208 1/3 he threw during the regular season, gave him 234 on the year.

"He threw more than he probably should have before he came in," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "So I think since he'll be in the rotation as long as he's healthy, we'll plan it out a little differently. That way, maybe he'll have a little more in his tank next year."

After compiling a 13-3 record with a 2.45 ERA in his first 25 starts in 2013, Corbin went just 1-5 with an 8.00 ERA over his final seven outings, including Friday, when he surrendered five runs in five frames to the Nationals.

"Just didn't have the same pitches he had in the first half," Gibson said. "I'm sure part of it had to do with how far he went; we asked a lot of him. He made 32 starts -- that's a lot in the big leagues for such a young kid. It just caught up to him a bit. I know he'll be better; he'll get stronger."